Mopsëman, he swims behind. [With glittering eyes.] And all the creepers and crawlers, they follow and follow us out into the deep, deep waters. Ay, for they have to.
Eyolf.
Why have they to?
The Rat-Wife.
Just because they want not to—just because they are so deadly afraid of the water. That is why they have got to plunge into it.
Eyolf.
Are they drowned, then?
The Rat-Wife.
Every blessed one. [More softly.] And there it is all as still, and soft, and dark as their hearts can desire, the lovely little things. Down there they sleep a long, sweet sleep, with no one to hate them or persecute them any more. [Rises.] In the old days, I can tell you, I didn't need any Mopsëman. Then I did the luring myself—I alone.
Eyolf.
And what did you lure then?
The Rat-Wife.
Men. One most of all.
Eyolf.
[With eagerness.] Oh, who was that one? Tell me!
